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The Project Brief and Scope
Creating More Room in Sunnyvale, California, for the Main Home and a Fully Independent JADU
The existing 1968 residence needed a larger and more functional central living area. At the same time, the project required a permanent and code-compliant use for the existing bonus space above the garage.
The design brings these objectives together through an integrated architectural, structural and building-system strategy. The main residence gains additional living space, while the upper level becomes a private JADU without requiring a separate detached structure.
Scope of Work
Construct a 398-square-foot ground-floor addition and expand the entry with a new Great Room.
Convert the existing 489-square-foot upper-level area into a JADU with a bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchenette.
Maintain a dedicated exterior entrance for the JADU.
Remove the existing 154-square-foot front porch and construct a new 42-square-foot covered entry porch.
Integrate the addition with the existing structure and rooflines while upgrading electrical, HVAC, ventilation, lighting and plumbing components.
Site, Planning and Blueprint Strategy
Making Every Square Foot Work in Sunnyvale, California
The project required careful planning to create meaningful new living space while remaining within Sunnyvale’s lot-coverage and floor-area requirements.
The solution concentrates the new footprint where it creates the greatest benefit - at the front of the main residence, where it expands the entry and Great Room. The existing area above the garage is reused as a JADU rather than increasing the property’s footprint with a detached structure.
Construction Journey and Challenges
From Existing Conditions to an Integrated Addition and JADU in Sunnyvale, California
Follow the project from selective demolition through structural construction, building-system installation and final finishes.
01
Existing Conditions
Before work began, the team documented the 1968 two-story residence, the 154-square-foot porch slated for removal, the 401-square-foot garage and the 489-square-foot bonus area above it. The primary challenge was reconciling actual field conditions with the approved design while defining code-compliant paths for the new ground-floor addition and the legalization of the JADU, all within Sunnyvale’s lot-coverage and floor-area limits.
02
Demolition and Preparation
03
Foundation and Framing
04
Exterior Integration
05
Building Systems and Interiors
06
Completion and Inspection
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